Adjustable shade



May 6, 1941.

E. A. BISCHOF ADJUSTABLE SHADE Filed July 12, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

DAL-J A TTORNEYS.

May 6, 1941. E. A. BISCHOF ADJUSTABLE SHADE Filed July 12, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 iackaf IN VEN TOR.

A TTORNEYS.

T ENT oric 2,240,883 ADJUSTABLE SHADE Email A. eaten, Oriana, Fla. Application July 12, 1939, Serial No. 284,054

tonnes.- (cries-16) I This invention relates to shades or closures designed primarily for use as a shade for trailers, buses or the like, the primary object of th invention being to provide a shade of this character which may be adjusted to completely close the opening with which it is used, or may be adjusted to admit air and light through the upper portion thereof while the lower portion of the shade remains closed.

Another object of the invention is to provide a shade embodying a plurality of slats of exceptionally light weight, and connected in such a manner that the slats may be adjusted by merely raising or lowering the shade to the desired position, eliminating the necessity of employing auxiliary adjusting means to accomplish this purpose.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention resides in the combination and arrangement of parts and in the details of construction hereinafter described and claimed, it being understood that changes in the precise embodiment of the invention herein described, may be made within the scope of what is claimed, without departing from the spirit of the inven tion.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is an elevational View illustrating a shade constructed in accordance with the invention as adjusted so that the slats thereof are spaced apart to admit air and light.

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken on line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an elevational view showing the lower slat sections as closed, and the upper slat sections spaced apart.

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken on line 44 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a fragmental rear elevational view of slats and connecting tape.

Figure 6 is a sectional View taken on line t6 of Figure 4.

Figure 7 is a view illustrating a modified form of th invention.

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken on line 88 of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a further modified form of the invention, illustrating the shade as moving downwardly into the shade well.

Referring to the drawings in detail, the reference character 5 designates the body portion of a trailer which is provided with the usual window openings, a window opening of the trailer being indicated at 5. In the construction of the body portion 5, spaced walls 1 are provided, the spaced walls I being curved at their upper ends, merging into the top of the body portion, as clearly shown by Figure 2 of the drawings. Mounted between the spaced walls 1, are guide bars 8 which are spaced apart, providing the guideway 9, within which theends of the slats H3, forming the shade, are positioned for sliding movement.

In this form of the invention, the slats Id are arranged in pairs, and are secured at opposite sides of the tape which is indicated at H, the inner slats l0 being cut-away at their edges,

or at points where they contact with the tapes H, as at. I2, to the end that when the slats are moved into close engagement with each other to close the opening in which the shade moves, the folded portions of the tapes indicated at I3, will extend rearwardly, the cut-away portions providing clearances so that the adjacent edges of the outer slats, will meet, completely closing the openings between slats.

Spring fingers indicated at M are positioned between the spaced walls I, and engage the ends of the slats, holding the shade in various positions of adjustment.

In the form of the invention as illustrated by Figures 5 and 6 of the drawings, the slats are constructed of sheet metal material, and have their longitudinal edges bent laterally, providing spaced flanges i5, the spaced flanges of each slat being formed with openings for the reception of the tapes l6, which are riveted to the slats, as by means of rivets ll. Thus it will be seen that when the shade is extended, the slats will separate, providing spaces so that light and air may enter. When it is desired to close the shade, the slats may be forced downwardly, whereupon the slats will pile one upon another, and the portions of the tapes between the slats will fold rearwardly between adjacent slats.

As shown by Figures 7 and 8 of the drawings, the slats which are indicated by the reference character l8 are constructed of thin material, and are connected by means of the three-way hinges 19, the construction of the hinges allowing the slats tomove with respect to each other, predetermined degrees, with the result that when the shade is extended, spaces will be provided between adjacent slats, and that when the shade is lowered, the spaces will be closed by reason of the adjacent edges of the slats meeting.

While I have shown the shade as designed to move into a compartment above the window, it is to be understood that the shade may be constructed to move into a well at the bottom of the window, as shown by Figure 9. In this type of the invention, the well is indicated by the reference character 20, the shade embodying slats 2|, connected by the tapes 22.

From the foregoing it will be seen that due to the construction shown and described, it is possible to adjust the shade, so that the lower section of the shade, or any part of its length may be closed, leaving the remaining portion of the shade open to admit air and light. Should it be desired, the slats may be moved into close engagement with each other, completely closing the opening with which the shade is used.

By extending the shade, the various slats may be moved into spaced relation with respect to each other, admitting air and light throughout the entire length of the shade, also preventing observation of the interior of the compartment. By closing the slats as depicted at the bottom of the window opening in Fig. 3 complete privacy from the outside may be obtained although the interior be brightly illuminated.

Fig. 2 shows that ample space is provided between the roof and ceiling for reception of the shade, permitting a full opening of the window when it is desired.

It is to be understood that the structure disclosed in this application is not limited to use on trailer windows only, but might be applied to the openings of cabinets and closets or any place requiring a closure which provides ventilation.

What is claimed is:

1. An adjustable shade comprising lengths of substantially thin sheet metal material, the longitudinal edges thereof being extended at right angles in parallel relation with respect to each other providing spaced upper and lower longitudinal flanges, said flanges having openings, tapes extending through the. openings connecting adjacent slats and holding adjacent slats in spaced relation with respect to each other, said tapes adapted to fold betweenthe slats when the slats are moved to close the shade, and securing members for securing the tapes to the slats.

2. "An adjustable shade comprising a plurality of slats constructed of thin sheet metal material, inwardly extended flanges formed along the longitudinal edges of the slats and disposed in parallel spaced relation with respect to each other, the lower flange of one slat adapted to rest on the upper flange of the adjacent lower slat securing the slats against tilting with respect to each other when the slats are moved together, and flexible members connected with the slats for connecting the slats.

EMIL A. BISCHOF. 

